As we say so long to January, we look forward with hope to February. Maybe in this month we will have warmer temperatures and no snow or ice. I know that you would agree with me that December and January were very hard on us with the frigid weather and snow taking its toll on us physically and mentally.

So think warm thoughts, for daylight savings time is only 35 days away, followed by the beginning of spring, which is only 46 days away.

Recently there was a graduating class from the Police Academy. As I have stated, our 102nd Precinct has never received the additional police officers that we need. This year we have good news; we have received eight new police officers.

It is so important, for our Woodhaven needs additional fine professional men and women for our precinct. We thank you our 102nd Precinct Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, our lieutenants, sergeants, and police officers for holding the line and you know that our good thoughts and prayers are with each one of you always as you patrol our streets and keep us safe.

Remember, leave your porch lights on! Also if you see people loitering where they don’t belong or walking into driveways or on the side of your homes, do not confront them, call 911.

If anyone presents themselves as a police officer, ask to see a badge and identification, both before admitting them to your home, if they hesitate call 911. Also, beware of counterfeit money. For $100 bills, look for "77" on the back image of these fake bills.

I have always wanted benches installed along our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue, because it is always good to sit during shopping on our Woodhaven’s “Everything Avenue.”

Recently our WBID was offered by the city really nice metal benches, free of charge. They were installed at two locations, so look for them and make use of them. The WBID will be getting more benches before the spring weather arrives.

During the last few weeks, Honorable Nydia M. Velasquez, our Woodhaven congresswoman, was visiting in our Woodhaven community. Our congresswoman could not have been more gracious and gave us excellent insight into what is happening in Washington, D.C.

As I have always stated, our Woodhaven is so fortunate to have such great and supportive elected officials. This lady exemplifies the professional and committed representatives that through the years have worked with us and have always had our community’s best interest at heart. To them I state we are thankful for your representation and thank you.

For our entrepreneurs, the U.S. Small Business Administration will sponsor “How SBA Can Help Your Business” on February 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street. The SBA will also host “Business Plan Writing” on February, same time and location. For more information, call (212) 264-7060.

Please fly our American flags above all others in Woodhaven, for we are still at war against evil terrorists. May God bless our leaders, may God bless our armed forces, and most of all may God bless our America.